First Class Substation Meter Technician

First Class Substation Meter Technician

This is skilled journeyman-level work involving the installation, repair, maintenance, programming, and testing of electric meters and relays, as well as the maintenance and monitoring of substation equipment. Work is performed from poles, bucket trucks, and within substations, often in proximity to energized high-voltage equipment. Employees in this class regularly work on live electrical systems and may be exposed to adverse weather conditions and other hazardous environments. As such, strict adherence to safety procedures is essential to protect the employee, coworkers, and the public. Work includes providing instruction and technical guidance to other substation and metering technicians and helpers. Assignments are carried out with considerable independence under general supervision, with work subject to inspection during progress and upon completion for quality, accuracy, and operational results. Employees bear significant responsibility for job performance outcomes and overall safety on assigned tasks.

Examples of Work

• Installs, maintains, programs, and tests all types of electric meters.
• Performs testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of substation equipment.
• Investigates customer complaints and performs energy audits as needed.
• Installs, reads, and maintains large capacity meters; downloads hospital readings and prepares reports.
• Investigates power outages, determines causes, and takes corrective action to restore service.
• Performs line work as required and assists with maintenance and stocking of vehicles and equipment.
• Maintains accurate records, files, and system documentation.
• Downloads and prepares month-end reports for Watt Substation and Hydro operations.
• Conducts PCB testing, oil testing, and maintains associated records and documentation.
• Operates SCADA systems and performs switching operations in substations and on distribution lines.
• Serves as acting crew supervisor in the absence of the supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications of Work

• High school diploma or equivalent required, supplemented by technical training in electrical systems or completion of an electrician apprenticeship. Considerable experience in the installation, maintenance, and testing of meters and substation equipment is required, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of electrical theory as applied to metering, relay systems, and substations.
• Knowledge of tools, materials, equipment, and accepted practices used in electrical utility work.
• Knowledge of safety procedures associated with energized electrical systems and substations.
• Knowledge of first aid, including artificial respiration.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to work effectively in adverse weather and hazardous conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.
• Ability and willingness to respond to after-hours emergency call-back situations.
• Ability to learn and perform advanced journeyman-level meter technician duties.

Physical Demands The physical requirements described represent those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made. While performing job duties, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, hear, and use hands and arms for reaching and manipulation. The employee frequently climbs poles or structures up to 3590 feet, and may work near high-voltage lines. The employee must frequently balance and occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Regular lifting of up to 50 pounds is required, with occasional lifting to 100 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision. The employee must also have the ability to detect odors. Work Environment Work is performed in outdoor environments and utility facilities with exposure to varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, and wet conditions. The employee is regularly exposed to the risk of electrical shock, moving mechanical parts, and high, precarious work areas. Noise levels are frequently loud. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid Virginia Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or obtain one within six (6) months of employment.
• Must be able to respond to emergency call-back situations within 30 minutes.
• Must obtain certification in first aid and artificial respiration.
• Must obtain VDOT Flagger Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Required to complete SCADA training.
• May be required to obtain Substation School and Electric Meter School certifications.
• May be required to complete PCB training and related record-keeping coursework.